Data have been reviewed from sites in Europe and North and South America as well as published data from South Africa. The review has concentrated on dissipation data from piezocone tests (CPTU) to compare predicted coefficient of consolidation and permeability values using published interpretation techniques with available reference values. The results of this review have shown that the theoretical solutions provide reasonable estimates of the in situ coefficient of consolidation. Results were evaluated for pore-pressure data from different locations on the piezocone, and the least scatter in results was obtained with the pore-pressure element location immediately above the cone tip. A new correlation has been proposed to estimate in situ horizontal coefficient of permeability (kh) from piezocone dissipation data. Key words : in situ, coefficient consolidation, cone penetration test, permeability.

A new test, called the seismic cone penetration test (SCPT) is described.A small rugged velocity seismometer has been incorporated into an electronic cone penetrometer.The combination of the seismic downhole method and the CPT logging provide an extremely rapid, reliable and economic means of determining stratigraphic, strength and modulus information in one sounding.Results using the seismic cone penetration test are presented and compared to conventional in-situ techniques.

A multichannel electric cone penetrometer was used to perform a variety of in-situ tests in saturated deltaic deposits. Factors affecting the tip bearing, friction sleeve stress, and pore-water pressures and their interpretation are studied and discussed. Pore pressure measurements were essential to evaluate the in-situ test results. The effect of rate of penetration is discussed and the concept of effective bearing introduced as an attempt to interpret cone bearing in undrained or partially drained soil. Field values of consolidation characteristics from pore pressure decay are compared with traditional laboratory consolidation test results on undisturbed samples.The advantages of continuous electric cone logging to evaluate soil stratigraphy are demonstrated. Field and laboratory test results are presented from a test site where stabilization was used to reduce liquefaction potential of hydraulically placed sand and silt. The importance of pore pressure measurements is demonstrated along with examples and recommendations for the location of the porous element.

Static piezometer–friction cone tests were carried out at the tailings dam at Brenda Mines, Peachland, British Columbia to evaluate soil characteristics and seepage conditions in the dam. Several types of electric quasistatic cones were pushed to depths of 40–70 m at various locations in the dam and on the beach. The cones used included both the Fugro electric friction cone and piezometer cone, and a University of British Columbia designed piezometer–friction cone.Site conditions are described and typical cone logs of bearing, friction, friction ratio, and pore water pressure vs. depth are presented, interpreted, and discussed. The cone data is used to assess strength and relative density, and to assess gradational variations of the tailings and slimes on the beach, including the identification of ice inclusions.Measurements of equilibrium pore water pressures with depth at three locations on the beach allowed a clear picture to be developed of the pore pressure gradients within the dam. Other problems and experiences concerning quasistatic cone logging for a tailings dam are also discussed. Key words: in situ testing, static penetration testing, piezometer cone, tailings dam, tailings beach, seepage, strength, relative density, ice, pore pressures.

A new test, called the seismic cone penetration test (SCPT) is described. A small rugged velocity seismometer has been incorporated into an electronic cone penetrometer. The combination of the seismic downhole method and the CPT logging provides an extremely rapid, reliable and economic means of determining stratigraphic, strength and modulus information in one sounding. Results using the seismic cone penetration test are presented and compared to conventional onshore in-situ techniques. Results are also presented from seismic cone testing performed offshore in the shallow Canadian Beaufort Sea.